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Donnie Ray Dunkin, a 48 year old Trenton, MO resident, passed away at 12:30 p.m., Monday, January 21, 2013, at Wright Memorial Hospital E.R.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 24, 2013 at Whitaker Eads Funeral Home in Trenton, MO. Burial will follow in the Edinburg I.O.O.F. cemetery in Edinburg, MO. A visitation is scheduled from 7 until 8 Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to the funeral home for expences.
Donnie loved his friends and family. He never met a stranger, and was quick to strike up a conversation with just about anyone; his easy smile and hearty laugh made the day of those who visited with him a little lighter.
Showing a natural talent for boxing at an early age, Donnie racked up an impressive number of wins as an amateur fighter. He soon caught the eye of boxing promoter Peyton Sher, and shortly thereafter, Donnie had signed a contract as a professional fighter. Donnie had several professional fights and was recognized as a tough and gifted fighter by his opponents and their coaches.
Donnie devoted countless hours of his time, focus and caring personality to many of the local young people through his coaching of baseball teams and coaching of many young boxers over the years. Several young men were fortunate enough to find a place to call home several nights a week, meeting with Donnie for boxing instruction, and, more importantly, someone who believed in them. More than one young man in the community saw their attitude improve as a result of calling Donnie Dunkin their “Coach”.
Donnie found great joy in being a Father and Grandfather. It was clear to anyone who knew him that his family came before anyone, or anything else. Those who called him “Dad” or “Pa Pa” will forever carry the memory of having his love and full attention when they were with him. His friends will recall a similar experience when they were with him. He will be missed by many.
Surviving relatives include his sons Rocky and Ryan Dunkin a daughter Bobbie Dunkin, all of Trenton, eight grandchildren; Alexandria Yardley, Bailey Dunkin, Gracie Hessenflow, Drayton Dunkin, Blaine Dunkin, Ava Smiley, Lydia Smiley and Kyler Smiley, as well as his ex-wife Linda Dunkin of Trenton.
Those preceding him in death include his parents James and Patricia Sanflice Duncan and a brother Danny Hopton Duncan.
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